Government offices across Osun State were shut on Monday as workers commenced a three-day sympathy strike directed by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the continued withholding of local government allocations.

The gates of the Osun State Government Secretariat and the State House of Assembly in Osogbo were locked, with no workers or official activities observed within the premises.

The Olorunda and Osogbo Local Government Secretariats were also shut as workers joined the industrial action.

Public school students in Osogbo were equally sent home as teachers participated in the strike.

The NLC had, on Sunday, directed all its affiliate members in the state to embark on the three-day action in solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

In a statement signed by the state NLC Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, and Secretary, Victor Amusan, the congress said the strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal and Osun State governments over the continued withholding of statutory allocations meant for local government areas.

The labour leaders said the issues surrounding the allocations remained unresolved despite efforts to secure a resolution.

They added that the decision to embark on the strike was taken after exhausting what they described as all reasonable avenues and in line with resolutions reached at an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council held on October 28.

The NLC subsequently directed all its affiliate unions to join the industrial action in support of local government workers.